> At a Glance
> – Pulitzer winner Ayad Akhtar returns with The Radiance, out Sept. 29, 2026
> – A hit-and-run leaves a writer “caught between revelation and madness”
> – Abraham Verghese calls it “hard to put down” and “a work of genius”
> – Why it matters: Akhtar’s blend of thriller, faith, and identity politics is already stirring pre-release buzz
Ayad Akhtar’s next book may be his boldest yet. The Homeland Elegys author explores academic warfare, scandal, and metaphysical mystery in The Radiance, landing this fall.
The Plot
A countryside collision upends a writer’s life. The official synopsis says the crash leaves him shattered-and drawn to a brilliant colleague whose connection sparks an investigation that could ruin them both.
As the story unfolds:
- A family secret surfaces
- An erotic entanglement deepens
- Questions about the accident’s violence-and its aftermath-intensify
Praise & Pedigree
Abraham Verghese raves:
> “Through unforgettable characters, Akhtar explores the nature of memory and of the soul, while the unfolding tale builds tension and anticipation like a whodunit. The Radiance is hard to put down and so original it will linger with me for a long time.”
Akhtar’s résumé backs the hype:
| Year | Work | Award/Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Disgraced | Pulitzer Prize for Drama |
| 2020 | Homeland Elegys | Best-seller exploring the American Dream |
| 2012 | American Dervish | Acclaimed coming-of-age novel |
Key Takeaways
- Pre-orders are live now at all retailers
- The novel toggles between Islam and Christianity across rural America and Europe
- Akhtar asks “what radiance remains” after personal and societal fractures
With The Radiance set for release on Sept. 29, 2026, readers can expect a cerebral page-turner that probes faith, memory, and the cost of revelation.
